This chapter is from the book

This chapter helps you to prepare for the exam by covering the following Microsoft-specified objectives for the Installing and Upgrading Windows Vista section of the TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring exam:

Upgrade to Windows Vista from a previous version of Windows.

Microsoft provides several upgrade paths for computers running versions of Windows XP. This objective is included to ensure that you know how and when to upgrade Windows XP to Windows Vista.

Upgrade from one edition of Windows Vista to another.

Several paths are available for upgrading from one edition of Windows Vista to another edition. This objective is included to ensure that you know how and when to upgrade from one edition of Vista to a higher edition.

Outline

Introduction 130

Upgrading to Windows Vista from a Previous Version of Windows 130

Preparing a Computer to Meet Upgrade Requirements 131

Vista Upgrade Advisor 131

Additional Preparatory Tasks 134

Upgrading the Computer to Windows Vista 135

Dual-Booting Windows Vista 138

Upgrading from One Edition of Windows Vista to Another 140

Windows Anytime Upgrade 141

Upgrading Windows Vista 141

Performing Post-Installation Updates and Product Activation 143

Installing Updates and Hotfixes 145

Managing Automatic Updates 146

Summary 148

Key Terms 148

Apply Your Knowledge 148

Exercises 149

Exam Questions 150

Answers to Exam Questions 152

Suggested Readings and Resources 153

Study Strategies

This chapter focuses on processes related to upgrading to Windows Vista. When studying the contents of this chapter, be sure to follow these strategies:

Pay attention to the various methods of upgrading older Windows computers to Windows Vista and of upgrading one edition of Vista to a higher one.

Practice the various procedures several times, including updates from various older Windows operating systems and upgrades between editions of Vista.

Be sure you know when you can upgrade directly to Windows Vista and between which editions of Vista you can upgrade.

Introduction

As Microsoft introduces new versions of its Windows operating system, many users around the world want to take advantage of the features included in the new version without purchasing new computers. Consequently, Microsoft has made available upgrade paths that enable users to upgrade older versions of Windows. By upgrading earlier versions of Windows to Windows Vista, you can retain registry settings and account information contained in the older operating system.

Many users are attracted by the features available in higher editions of Vista, such as Vista Ultimate, but may have purchased a computer on which a lower edition of Vista such as Home Basic has been pre-installed. Consequently, Microsoft has made upgrade paths available that enable these users to upgrade to a higher version of Vista. As with the upgrade of an earlier version of Windows, these upgrade paths enable users to retain registry settings and account information from the lower version of Vista.